Trine to host Hoosier Girls State

ANGOLA, Ind. – More than 600 girls who are high school juniors are expected to participate in Hoosier Girls State at Trine University.

The weeklong program from June 23-28, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, aims to provide an educational opportunity that instills the basic ideals and principles of American government with a focus on Indiana state government at the city, county and state levels. Citizenship, not politics, is emphasized during the program.

"The girls go home with so much more confidence than they came in with," said Jane Thurston, assistant government director. "They understand not only how the election process works, but more importantly how they can become involved."

A highlight will be speeches on Sunday by Richard Hickman, Angola mayor, and Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president.

The American Legion Auxiliary has been conducting Girls State for more than 60 years. Broadcast journalist Jane Pauley, former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Secretary of State Connie Lawson are Hoosier Girls State alums.

Trine University is hosting Hoosier Girls State for the first time. For nearly 40 years, Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, was home to the program. The move to Trine will allow delegates to cast votes and perform other duties online, Vickie Koutz, program director, said.

The participants will be housed and supervised in Trine's air-conditioned residential housing.